Air Fryer Broccolini
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My air fryer broccolini is crispy, tender, and perfectly seasoned with fresh garlic. It cooks in just six minutes and makes an easy, healthy, and elegant side dish.
I think that cooking vegetables in the air fryer completely transforms them from bland into something actually craveworthy. This air fryer broccolini is proof of that!
I initially planned on developing this recipe for my (newly released) air fryer cookbook, but had too many side dishes in it already. This worked out to be a blessing in disguise, because this is NOT the veggie side dish I want to be gate keeping. Because the stalks are thinner and longer than traditional broccoli, broccolini cooks much quicker and more evenly.
I tested a few seasoning blends but decided at the end of the day, a simple mix of garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper was all that’s needed to make this veggie shine. It’s so tasty, there’s been more than one occasion I’ve accidentally polished them off by myself. Oops.
Table of Contents
Why make my air fryer broccolini recipe
- Quick and easy. With just six minutes of air frying time, these are on the table in under ten minutes!
- Healthy. Broccolini is rich in vitamin C, A, and K, and contains folate, iron, and potassium.
- Elegant side dish. Broccolini tends to look super fancy, and instantly elevates any main dish you pair it with.
Key Ingredients
Here’s the main ingredients that go into this broccolini recipe, along with my kitchen notes. The complete list with measurements is in the recipe card below.
- Broccolini. Or tenderstem broccoli, if you’re here from the UK :). I like to choose ones with thinner stalks, so they crisp up evenly.
- Olive oil or melted butter. I actually prefer olive oil over butter, but either will work.
- Garlic. Freshly minced cloves, please.
- Parmesan cheese. Optional, but I love to sprinkle some Parmesan over the freshly air-fried broccolini. They ‘just’ melt while keeping some of the texture.
- Lemon juice. A squeeze of lemon before serving brightens the dish and adds a pop of flavor.
How to cook broccolini in the air fryer
Step 1- Prep. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Step 2- Season. Add the broccolini to a bowl or plate, drizzle with the garlic oil, and rub until each stem is coated.
Step 3- Air fry. Place the seasoned broccolini in the air fryer basket and air fry for 6 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 4- Finish. Squeeze some lemon juice over the top and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Even-sized broccolini. If your broccolini is similar in size, they’ll all cook at the same time.
- Pat dry all the moisture. The #1 reason air fryer broccolini doesn’t crisp up is water on the stems or in the florets. To prevent this from happening, use a paper towel to soak up any moisture left on them.
- Cook in a single layer. I find this ensures the hot air circulates around each one, cooking all sides completely. If needed, cook in two batches.
- Only flip once. Unlike other air fryer recipes which benefit from several shakes of the air fryer basket, broccolini is best when turned once. This gives both sides enough time to crisp up and caramelize around the florets.
How to store leftovers
To store: Leftovers should be stored in the fridge, covered, and will keep for up to five days. You can also freeze the broccolini for up to two months.
To reheat: I prefer to reheat the broccolini back in the air fryer so it crisps up again (3 minutes at 400°F), but a hot skillet with a splash of water also works well.
✅ Nutrition reviewed
“Air fryer broccolini is an easy, tasty way to enjoy more veggies. It’s high in fiber and vitamins, and air frying gives great flavor with just a small amount of oil.” – Felicia Newell, MScAHN, RD, CPT.
Air Fryer Broccolini
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound broccolini Approximately 12 stalks, washed, dried, and trimmed
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- In a small bowl, whisk the olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Add the broccolini to a bowl. Add the garlic and olive oil mixture over the top and rub each stalk until coated.
- Place the seasoned broccolini into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 6 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Remove the broccolini from the air fryer, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Notes
- Topping ideas: I like to add 1 1/2 tablespoons of fresh Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of fresh lemon.
- Tips: See my recipe tips above for perfectly crisp and tender broccolini.
- Leftovers: Keep in the fridge, covered, for 5 days, or the freezer for 2 months.
Nutrition
More air fryer vegetables I’m loving
As I said earlier, cooking veggies in the air fryer completely transforms them, so here are some other ideas for you:
